As many of you are well aware, from the fall on, the IO/UN Studies specialization will be incorporated into the new International Security and Diplomacy (ISD) concentration as the new UN and IO studies track and minor under the apt leadership of ISD director, Professor Steve Biddle. 

This recap of IO/UNS activities from the last year is by no means short, but I rejoice in thinking about our contribution to SIPA's vibrant community and to our work to engage with the important debates on today's key global challenges. I thank all of you for being part of the IO/UNS community, and I wish you all the best for your time at SIPA and beyond.

Daniel Naujoks
Director, International Organization & UN Studies Specialization 
Faculty Director, United Nations Partnership Initiative
School of International and Public Affairs  | Columbia University 

Three days after the UN General Assembly adopted the “Pact for the Future” on  to reinvigorate multilateral cooperation and better meet the challenges facing humanity in the 21st century, we convened leading experts and UN practitioners for a conference on September 25 to discuss how the agreement’s lofty commitments and promises can be translated into concrete action. The inaugural State of the World Conference: Implementing the Pact of the Future featured two panels – the first focused on the pact’s pledge to transform global governance and reboot the multilateral system, and the second on reform of the international financial structure, feauring leading experts from SIPA and the UN. You can watch the recording here.

On September 17, we held an event on "Africa's Future Pathways: Charting a Course for Sustainable Development & Financial Innovation." Nardos Bekele-Thomas, Chief Executive Officer of the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) gave a talk on her vision for the future of dvelopment in Africa, more specifically on Africa's financial structure, the importance and need for infrastructure, the African Union's Agenda 2063, the role of universities and how it can lead to a transformative education system, health structures pertaining to vaccine manufacturing and accessibility, and more. In discussion with IO/UNS director, Professor Daniel Naujoks, Bekele-Thomas elaborated on how NEPAD’s new  "Two Agendas - One Plan" framework integrates Africa’s ambitions and operationalizes these goals over the coming decade and beyond. You can watch the recording of the talk here.

On World Habitat Day, Dr. Michal Mlynár, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Deputy Executive Director of UN-Habitat spoke about the UN Human Settlements Agency's work and the upcoming World Urban Forum in Cairo. Mlynár discussed the importance of partnerships with academic institutions and the youth sector, SDG localization, and youth engagement through recreational and educational activities in forging a path to a better urban future. In discussion with Hanh Minh Angela To, MPA, ISP '25 student, Mlynár states, "our future is urban." You can watch a recording of the talk here.

On October 24, IO/UNS and ICR co-hosted a book panel on Professor Adam Day's new book The Forever Crisis: Adaptive Global Governance for an Era of Accelerating Complexity. Day, who also serves as the Head of the Geneva Office of the UN University Centre for Policy Research, discussed how many global issues—such as climate change, pandemics, cyber threats, and AI—are increasingly complex and demand adaptive, systems-based solutions rather than linear approaches. He further offered an innovative approach to global governance in this era of interrelated planetary challenges. In addition to Professor Day's remarks, Michèle Griffin, Director of Our Common Agenda and the Summit of the Future, Executive Office of the UN Secretary-General, as well as professor Jean-Marie Guéhenno, Director of SIPA's International Conflict Resolution provided comments on the merits of the book. You can get a copy of Adam Day's book here. If you missed the event, you can watch the recording here.

From 30 June to 3 July 2025​​​​, the ​​​Fourth UN Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) takes place in Sevilla, Spain. In collaboration with EPD, we organized two events shedding light on the many aspects of the conference.

On April 14, 2025, Shari Spiegel, Chief of Policy Analysis and Development Branch in UNDESA's Financing for Development Office and SIPA Professors José Antonio Ocampo and Daniel Naujoks discussed the various issues on the global agenda during FfD4, including the comprehensive new agenda, links between climate and development finance, mobilzing domestic resources, domestic and international tax systems, private sector involvement, illicit financial flows, debt, trade, ODA, science and innovation, data and a structural reform of the international financial architecture. You can watch the recording here.

The IO/UNS Specialization is strongly dedicated to creating professional development and networking opportunities for all SIPA students.

On November 13, Professor Daniel Naujoks, director of SIPA’s International Organization and UN Studies Specialization, hosted a career talk on “How to Get a Job at the UN.” Over a pizza lunch, he spoke to a full house of SIPA students interested in a role with the United Nations. Prof. Naujoks shared tips and tricks for a successful job hunt, based on more than 20 years of experience working with many different UN agencies. Topics covered include an overview of what to expect when working for the UN, including organizational culture and structure; how to build a resume that stands out; employment pathways; networking; and how to prepare for an interview. You can read more about the event and find more resources on free UN courses, information on YPP programs and more here and watch the recording here.

On March 25, Dr. Maria Chepurina-Deswel from the Partnerships and External Relations team in the Executive Office of the United Nations Secretary-General (EOSG) had an engaging and informative conversation with students, sharing her own personal career journey and valuable insights on navigating a path in international diplomacy.

On March 26, women ambassadors from diverse regions explored the evolving role of women in diplomacy and the challenges that persist in achieving gender parity in multilateralism. The conversation focused on the challenges and dilemmas of women in multilateral diplomacy, with particular emphasis on their experiences in peace & security, artificial intelligence, and multilateralism. Speakers included H.E. Maritza Chan, Permanent Representative of Costa Rica to the UN; H.E. Vanessa Frazier, Permanent Representative of Malta to the UN; Ms. Thilmeeza Hussain, Former Permanent Representative of Maldives to the UN; Director, RCNYO; H.E. Susana Malcorra, President & Cofounder, GWL Voices; former Foreign Minister of Argentina. It was moderated by V. Page Fortna, Director, Arnold A. Saltzman Institute of War and Peace Studies; Harold Brown Professor of US Foreign and Security Policy, Department of Political Science, Columbia University.

Our highly awaited annual IO/UNS retreat took place at Columbia University's Lamont Campus on 28 March. We were fortunate that the weather cooperated, setting the stage for a fantastic event-packed day. Students and guest speakers gathered early Friday morning at the Alma Mater to travel together to the off-campus site, where they participated in a variety of fun and engaging activities designed for bonding and community building.

Throughout the day, students had the opportunity to interact with guest speakers and a faculty member with diverse experiences connected to the United Nations, including the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the UN Peacebuilding Fund. After lunch, the group set out on a scenic hike to enjoy the fresh air, take in the natural surroundings, and even have a photo-op at a beautiful waterfall and Hudson River. The day concluded on a lively note with students singing and performing re-written songs set to the tune of Marc Anthony’s Vivir Mi Vida.

Throughout the year, we hosted several social events to encourage networking and community building among specializers. Our social events brought together almost 1,000 students in 2024-2025 and gave us an opportunity to connect with each other.

On May 2, students from IO/UNS gathered for our final end-of-year celebration (the last in SIPA history), enjoying the Hudson River at the Baylander. The sun was shining brightly as everyone reflected and celebrated on the past year's events and all of our accomplisments. The highlight was when Professor Naujoks gave a memorable and motivating speech on the world's state of affairs and how the fight for academic freedom will be unwavering. He further emphasized that students can always advocate to organize future events and socials. Another standout moment was our annual IO/UNS Award ceremony, featuring awards from “Next UN Secretary-General” to “First Resident Coordinator.” Congratulations to all our winners! Students also had the chance to socialise, enjoy refreshments and hors d’oeuvres, and take a well-earned break before finals.

On September 12, SIPA students attended the Back-to-School IO/UNS Fall Social at Calveras Corner! We enjoyed getting to know the new students and catching up with returning students. The floor was swimming with vibrant discussions on multilateralism, global cooperation, human rights, and insider SIPA tips. We were excited to see more than 80 students chat with Professor Daniel Naujoks and the IO/UNS team!!

On October 24, the SIPA community came together to celebrate United Nations Day, marking the 79th year since the entry into force in 1945 of the UN charter. The United Nations Day Festival was an opportunity for students to mingle, learn, and learn about the purpose of the United Nations. Students discussed their favorite SDGs, took photos in the photo booth, played games, and enjoyed refreshments. Congratulations to the winners of the raffle and those who took the quizzes – we hope you enjoyed it as much as we did!

On December 5, IO/UNS joined forces with ICR and UNA to host our End-of-the-Year Social in Publique! In celebration of the last week of class of the Fall 2024 semester, students got to de-stress and catch up with one another, Professor Daniel Naujoks, and the IO/UNS team over some mouth-watering vegetarian Chinese food from Happy Hot Hunan. Thank you to everyone who stopped by before the hectic finals week begins. We loved having you there! 

Each week during the semester, we shared with you the International Organizations and UN News newsletter. Each edition highlighted key news from IOs, such as new reports, statements, appointments, and conferences. Our newsletters shed light on some of our amazing students in our weekly student spotlights, shared UN-related podcasts and events, and flagged exciting internship opportunities. Through our newsletters, we also disseminate resource documents, such as our tips and tricks for Sourcing Internships. Thank you for reading and engaging with our content every week!

To foster a better understanding of the various ways in which multilateral organizations and processes work toward goals of sustainable development, peace, human rights, and equity, on UN Day 2021 – we launched Multilateralism in Action (MiA). Our cutting-edge think pieces published by leading UN and global governance scholars and practitioners provide insights into the determinants, modalities, and outcomes of multilateralism at the global, regional, national, and local levels. 

This academic year, we were thrilled to publish 14 new thought-provoking think-pieces on key issues. Below are a selection of the most recent. You can find a full list of think-pieces here.

• Migration and Asylum: Can International Organizations Govern Without Proper Mandates and Policies? Nele Kortendiek, European University Institute 

• AI Agents in Global Governance: Digital Representation for Unheard Voices, Eduardo Albrecht, a Senior Fellow at United Nations University Centre and Adjunct Associate Professor at Columbia SIPA

• Why There's Always a Path to International Cooperation: Human Ultrasociality Matters in International Relations, Mai'a K. Davis Cross, Dean's Professor of Political Science, International Affairs, and Diplomacy and Director of the Center for International Affairs and World Cultures at Northeastern University 

• UN Peacekeepers as Enablers of Host State Authoritarianism? Professor Sarah von Billerbeck, Birte Julia Gippert (reader), Kseniya Oksamytna (reader), and Professor Oisín Tansey 

• Making the United Nations Security Council More Effective Without Amending the UN Charter, Mona Ali Khalil, a public international lawyer with 30 years of service in the UN and Director of MAK LAW international, and Floriane Lavaud 

• Digital Technology: New Challenges and Opportunities for Climate Activists, Nina Hall, Associate Professor of International Relations at John Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), and Mette Eilstrup - Sangiovanni, Professor of International Relations at the University of Cambridge

Since we started the specialization’s Twitter (now X) account UNatColumbia in September 2019, we have not only witnessed an impressive growth of our followers, but importantly, meaningful engagements with students, faculty, UN staff members, and the general audience. Because of the ethical concerns around the use of X, last year, we decided to switch to BlueSky. If you are still not following us, please do at @unatcolumbia.bsky.social and engage with our content!

Follow the IO/UNS Specialization on
CampusGroups, BlueSky

Feel free to reach out to us: